Gladys Marie Dunaway

Gladys Marie (Mattingly) Dunaway, age 88, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of August 27, 2024.

Born on January 6, 1936, in Cary, KY, Gladys was the daughter of Jessie and Verna Mattingly. Following the death of her father, her family moved to Cincinnati, where she graduated from Central High School in 1954. She met and married Thomas Dunaway two years later, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage. Together, they had three children: Denise, Tim, and Stephanie. In 1976, the family relocated to Crossville, TN.

Gladys worked as an executive secretary, working at the U.S. Shoe Corporation and several other companies, before establishing her own real estate office in Crossville. After retirement, she and Tom lived in both Crossville and Knoxville, TN, with their son Tim and daughter-in-law Diana, before returning to Cincinnati to live with her daughter Denise, son-in-law John, and daughter Stephanie.

Known for her wonderful sense of humor, sharp wit, and love of reading and word puzzles, Gladys also cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother Verna, father Jessie, and her beloved husband Tom. Gladys is survived by her daughter Denise Marie Lipps (John), son Timothy Baker Dunaway (Diana), and daughter Stephanie Joella Dunaway; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; siblings-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her presence will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Flowers are welcome, but please consider donating to the Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity, an organization Gladys was actively involved with in Crossville.

Funeral services will be held on September 3, 2024, at 12:00PM CST at Grace Community Church, 2125 Miller Avenue, Crossville, TN, with Pastor Dennis Daniels officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00AM to 12:00PM CST. Burial will follow at Green Acres Memory Gardens, located on 127 North. Arrangements and care provided by Bilbrey Funeral Home.